The bodybuilder in hijab takes Kochi by storm
Majiziya Bhanu, 23, a student of Dental Sciences, was declared the winner of bodybuilding championship held here on September 9. But sadly enough, the young sportswoman is finding no support from the Government and the community to participate in the World Arm Wrestling Championship under 55 kg category in Turkey in October. The event is slated for October 13-22 at Antalya region in Turkey. She has booked her ticket to travel to Turkey on Oct. 11. The sportswoman also requires funds for constantly upgrading her dieting and other supplements. Her father works as a private cab driver. Mother is a housewife.
Speaking to this scribe on phone from her native village Orkkatteri in Calicut district, Majiziya said another girl trainee belonging to the SC category received full support from the Government while she has been looking around for sponsors.
The final year BDS student was a dark horse in the September 9 event. She was on the way to bench press competition in Alappuzha in the first week of September when someone suggested that she should try her luck at the bodybuilding championship too. She was encouraged by her fiance, Noor Ahamed. Her parents, Abdul Majeed and Raziya, offered their full support. And the resolute woman from the suburbs of Kozhikode stormed into the Kochi championship to flex her muscles. She struck to her favourites suit, the hijab, with which she had been attending powerlifting contest.
Bhanu, who has been training to be a powerlifter for over a year, said that she was clueless about bodybuilding contests when got onto the stage for the semifinals. She did not even know how to pose on stage. She was so tense that she forgot to forge a smile on her face. To her surprise, she was selected to the final.
Officials from the Bodybuilding Association of Kerala encouraged her. They told her she had a good chance and a little smile would help. Bhanu had her hands full though. She had to take part in the bench press championship in Alappuzha on Sept. 10 morning. She topped the senior women's section in the 52-kg category. She was crowned the 'Best Lifter of Kerala".
Equipped with quick tips from the male bodybuilders from her home district, Bhanu faced the crowd with confidence. There was no turning back. She beat the other finalists, including a professional from Mumbai. Bhanu said that she wanted to be a boxer. Her trainer Ramesh, however, suggested that she should focus on powerlifting. She travels from her village in Orkkatteri to the Kozhikode town every week to train with instructor Jayadas. Bhanu said that she wanted to be a boxer. Her trainer Ramesh, however, suggested that she should focus on powerlifting.
Bhanu has been representing her college in several tournaments. She has her eyes set on an international powerlifting title.
She can be contacted on whatsapp no. 95445-45411, cell: 94461-79069, email: majiziya.bhanu@gmail.com
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
